When the police administer field sobriety tests, the second test that will be administered is the “walk and turn” test. For this test, the officer will have you place your feet on either a real or imaginary line, walk 9 steps touching heel-to-toe, turn around, and walk 9 steps back touching heel-to-toe.

While this may appear simple and straightforward, the officer will not tell you what he is looking for during the test. Thus, it can be easy to “fail” the walk and turn test even if you are not impaired.

What are the DUI / OVI Walk and Test “Clues” in Ohio?

The officer administering the walk and turn test at the scene will not tell you what he is looking for. Thus, it can be easy to fall into the trap of complying with the officer’s request that you submit to the test so that he can “make sure you are ok to drive.” The officer will be looking for 8 “clues” of impairment while you perform the walk and turn test. These are:

1. Did you begin walking too soon (i.e., before being told to begin)?
2. Did you move your feet for balance?
3. Did you raise your arms more than 6 inches for balance?
4. Did you touch heel-to-toe on every step?
5. Did you step off the line?
6. Did you turn correctly by taking a series of small steps?
7. Did you stop walking during the test?
8. Did you take the correct number of steps?

How is the Walk and Turn Test Administered?

The officer administering the walk and turn test will begin by giving you the following instructions:

1. “Place your left foot on the line (real or imaginary).”
2. “Place your right foot on the line ahead of your left foot with the heel of your right foot touching the toe of your left foot.”
3. “Place your arms down at your sides.”
4. “Maintain this position until I have completed the instructions.”
5. “Do not start to walk until told to do so.”
6. “Do you understand the instructions so far?”

The officer will then provide the following instructions, accompanied by demonstrations:

1. “When I tell you to start, take nine heel-to-toe steps on the line, turn, and take nine heel-to-toe steps down the line.”
2. “When you turn, keep the front (lead) foot on the line, and turn by taking a series of small steps with the other foot.”
3. “While you are walking, keep your arms at your sides, watch your feet at all times, and count your steps out loud.”
4. “Once you start walking, don’t stop until you have completed the test.”
5. “Do you understand the instructions?”

If you “fail” two or more clues, you will be deemed to have failed the test. The results of this test will be used against you at trial. Thus, it is never advisable to submit to this, or any, field sobriety test. Instead, call a DUI / OVI attorney and speak with them about your case. For more information about DUI / OVI in Ohio, read Johnson Legal, LLC’s DUI / OVI Blog.

DUI / OVI Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

If you have been charged with DUI / OVI in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 to schedule a consultation regarding your DUI / OVI case.